Pickup truck storage device

ABSTRACT

A device for movably mounting a storage container in relation to the storage bed of a pickup truck. The device includes a container support frame with a mounting member configured to be fixedly secured in relation to the pickup truck storage bed, and a lift arm having a first end coupled to the container support frame for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis and a second end configured to be coupled to the storage container for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis. The second end of the lift arm is movable along an arcuate path about the first pivot axis between a stowed position in which the storage container is disposed between the side rails and an extended position in which the storage container is disposed above a side rail. The storage container is pivotable about the second pivot axis to maintain an upright orientation in the stowed and extended positions, providing a variety of convenient access and storage options. Also, the frame can be confined to a very small portion of the storage bed or hidden within existing components of the storage bed to allow substantially unimpeded top and rear access to the storage bed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/942,811 filed on Nov. 9, 2010, and claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/280,771, filed on Nov. 9,2009, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in theirentireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a device for positioning oneor more storage containers in the cargo bed of a pickup truck and, moreparticularly, to a device that can lift one or more storage containersfrom a stowed position within the cargo bed to an extended positionabove the rails of the cargo bed.

2. Background Information

A variety of storage boxes have been developed for pickup trucks, to bepositioned about or within the cargo or bed area of the truck for thepurpose of being able to securely transport smaller items such as tools,hardware and equipment for personal and/or business purposes.

Conventional pickup truck storage boxes are typically made of steel,aluminum or plastic and can be permanently or semi-permanently mountedat either the forward position of the truck bed just behind the caband/or located along and atop or just inside or both atop and justinside the rails of the truck bed.

To access the first mentioned storage box mounted just behind the cab,one usually must climb into the bed of the truck to access thecontainer, whereby the box, and the individual accessing the box, bothrequire use of sometimes valuable and limited bed real estate.

Another type of storage box can be positioned along the side rails ofthe truck bed, and is thereby more easily accessible from the street,and less demanding of the truck bed's storage or hauling space. However,as there are many individuals that use their pickup trucks for both workand personal use, it may sometimes be preferred that the storage boxesbe less visible. Further, having such an easy accessible position alongthe sides of the truck, make there accessibility more inviting topotential break-in by thieves.

Another risk associated with the variety of currently marketed storageboxes that sit atop any bed rail, is that they cause a reduction ofvisibility and therefore pose a driving hazard.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to overcomethe above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art and to improvestorage systems that are used within or about the cargo space of apickup truck or similar vehicle.

Another object in one or more embodiments is to allow for the storagecontainer positioning device to be retrofitable to a variety of trucksmade by different manufacturers, as well as allow easy installation andremoval and compatibility for use in a variety of trucks where a varietyof container sizes made of a range of suitable materials can easilyinstall to the device.

Another object in one or more embodiments is to provide options to thecustomer ranging from motor driven to manual operation as driving meansto manipulate and cause one or more storage containers to move betweenpredefined positions and/or to be held in a pre-defined position.

The present invention is generally characterized as a device that maytemporarily or permanently mount in the cargo space or bed of a truck,to which storage units, such as: boxes, or trays are mounted, and towhich their position can be selectively altered about the bed of thetruck directed by the operator or programmable control. In embodiments,the storage unit(s) can have their position manipulated to a firstposition easily accessible from a street standing position, wherefurther, this same first position provides additional bed space throughthe act of moving the unit(s) from within the bed space to an up andover bed rail position. In the second, stowaway position, the storageunit(s) is lowered near to or upon the bed surface, making the storageunits less visible, more secure, and having a lower center of gravity.In addition, in embodiments, the same storage unit(s) or positioningapparatus fixture may act as a mounting platform from which a supportmeans may attach providing anchorage for a tonneau cover and/or supportmeans to which a ladder rack system may mount.

Further, in embodiments, the storage units may be lowered upon or nearto or sandwich cargo material, to aid in further securing or stabilizingof same material or objects to make less likely of escape or becomeunstable during transport.

In embodiments, the position of the box(s) generally maintain an uprightposition throughout their travel as guided and controlled by thesupporting/lifting storage device using stabilizing mechanisms such as:four bar linkage means, upper centered pivot arrangement utilizinggravity to maintain upright position, a combination direct lifting ofthe container(s) on a vertical plane, then swinging inward and outwardon the horizontal plane, gearing systems, or use of a horizontal guiderail coupled to and slide-able with both the left and right storagecontainers to disallow box tilting. It should be appreciated that avariety of methods can be implemented to disallow tilting of thecontainers during positioning and/or at rest.

Some of the advantages of embodiments of the invention include theability to move storage containers between multiple positions relativeto the truck storage bed to facilitate security of the containers intransit, provide easier access to the contents of the containers fromwithin the bed or from a street standing position, free-up cargo spaceuseful when hauling larger volumes, and/or clamp items in the lateralspace between the storage containers and/or in the vertical spacebetween the storage containers and the bed to improve safety andconvenience when transporting items in the bed.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following description of the preferred embodimentstaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like partsin each of the several figures are identified by the same referencenumerals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pickup truck storage bed, lookingforward from the tailgate towards the cab, showing a truck storagedevice according to an embodiment of the present invention with storagecontainers in a stowed position between the bed rails.

FIG. 2 is another forward-looking perspective view of the truck storagedevice of FIG. 1. showing the containers in an extended position abovethe bed rail.

FIG. 3 is a close-up perspective view of a drive system used to lift andlower storage containers according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a forward-looking perspective view of a pickup truck storagebed showing a another embodiment of a truck storage device according tothe present invention, showing storage containers lifted a shortdistance above the truck bed and having an optional tonneau coveranchored to a rail which may also serve as a container tilt preventionmeans. Also shown in this Figure is an alternative drive system.

FIG. 5 is a forward-looking perspective view of a pickup truck storagebed showing another embodiment of a truck storage device according tothe present invention with storage containers in an extended accessposition. Also shown in this figure is an alternative drive system.

FIG. 6 is a forward-looking perspective view of a pickup truck bedshowing another embodiment of a truck storage device according to thepresent invention mounted on the truck bed rails, with the storagecontainers in a stowed position.

FIG. 7 is a forward looking perspective view of the embodiment shown inFIG. 6 showing the storage containers in an extended access position.

FIG. 8 is a forward-looking perspective view of a pickup truck storagebed showing another embodiment of a truck storage device according tothe present invention with storage containers in a stowed position.

FIG. 9 is a forward-looking perspective view of a pickup truck storagebed showing another embodiment of a truck storage system according tothe present invention with the storage containers in an extendedposition.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a truck storagedevice according to the present invention that mounts upon the bedrails, with the containers shown in a stowed position.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 withthe storage containers in an extended access position.

FIG. 12 is a close-up perspective view of the drive system shown in FIG.10.

FIG. 13 is a close-up perspective view of the drive system in theembodiment of FIG. 11 showing the drive system holding the containers ina fully extended position.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a truck storagedevice according to the present invention using an alternative drivesystem and having an optional safety container detach feature, shownhere in the stowed position

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, shownhere in the extended access position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A pickup truck storage device, generally indicated 10, according to thepresent invention, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, includes a frame 20 that dropsinto the bed of a pickup truck, lift arms 32 having respective firstends pivotally connected to the frame at pivots 22, and storagecontainers 70 pivotally connected to respective second ends of the arms.As shown, the frame 20 anchors to the manufacturer-installed mountingloops 62, located on each side of the truck bed on the inner wall 63 ofeach side rail 61 and near to the corner adjoining the cab bed wall 64,by way of a mounting member 65 in the form of a turnbuckle having hooksor other attachment means at each end. The lower end of each left andright hand located turnbuckle hook 65 attaches to their respective truckloop 62, and the opposite upper end of each left and right turnbuckle 65attaches to the device 10 at each pivot anchor stud 29. Tightening theleft and right turnbuckles 65 places the mounting member in tension andincreases the hold of the device 10, disallowing side to side movement,as well as, preventing tipping over as the weight of the containers andcontents overcome the weight of the device behind the fulcrum pointslocated at the forward edge of the forward upright frame member 18 atpoint of contact with truck bed surface 68. Other methods ofinstallation may include bolting through the rear upright frame member16 and through the bed wall 64, and/or bolting through the bridge tubeframe member 12 and down through the bed floor 68.

If an individual prefers not to alter his current truck cargo spaceduring installation, other means of stabilizing/mounting the device 10are available and may include use of a left and right rigid bracemembers that would attach to and/or wedge between the device 10 and oneor both bed side rail walls 68 and/or the tailgate wall corner. Anothersystem for stabilizing/mounting the device 10 that would not alter thetruck bed or bed walls, can include various compression means and use ofhigh friction material to push against a series of bed surfaces whilealso anchored to the device 10. Another mounting method includesclamping the device 10 to the cab bed wall 64 using frame extensionmembers and clamping means up and over and to the cab bed wall 64,example shown in FIG. 8, where over rail clamp 365 is positioned to grabhold of top of bed rail 64, while held tight within device 310. Anothernon bed altering method is shown in FIG. 9, where pivotal wedge legbrace 413 is firmly pivotally housed within frame base member 414 suchthat a left and right hand leg brace 413 would each be rotated andlocked to press firmly against their corresponding bed side rail 63 todisallow side to side movement, while the leg brace's forward foot 415,provides footing to prevent tipping of the device. Rubber componentscould be added and attached to this pivotal wedge leg brace to dampennoise, reduce potential damage to the truck, and provide frictionalsupport.

Each left and right storage container or unit 70 of the presentinvention, shown in FIGS. 1-3, travel back and forth in a guided arcuatepath as defined by the rotation action of the left and a right armsupport members or lift arms 32 having a horizontal axis of rotationdefined by in-line pivots 22 and 24. Lift arms 32, which are preferablymade of structural steel tubing, each have one end fixed to a sleevetube member 38 made of steel tubing or pipe, so that together, as one,the arms rotate about their corresponding left and right horizontal axesthat run longitudinally through the forward pivot 22 and the rear pivot24. It should be understood that other materials can be used, such asaluminum, titanium, cast iron, carbon fiber, and others, to constructthe device 10 as well as other embodiments shown and described herein.

At the axis core running in between and in-line with points 22 and 24and affixed to the rest of the arm weldment or assembly 30 components,is pivot rod or axle 31, shown in FIG. 3. Each end of each identicalleft and right pivot rod 31, is milled to a smaller diameter, to fit androtate smoothly within bushings that sandwich the pivot rod 31. Theforward bushing is press fit into the forward cap plate 21, while therear bushing is press fit into the rear frame upright bar 16. Bushingsare not functionally necessary as rotation is relatively very slow. Thedesired sandwich affect is obtained upon assembly of the arm weldment 30to the main frame 20, as the rear end of the pivot rod 31 is firstinserted into the rear pivot 24 located within the rear frame uprightbar 16, then opposite/forward end of pivot rod 31 is inserted intoforward pivot 22 of cap plate 21, which same cap plate 21 is then boltedto the forward frame upright bar 18 by securing with bolts 23. Permanentassembly may be preferred in factory as consideration of manufacturingcost, shipping and user preference is established.

Generally simultaneous opposite mirror image like movement between theleft arm weldment 30 with the right arm weldment 30 is orchestrated bythe linking of the left and right arm weldments 30 through a rigidlinkage means control bar 40, having opposite end mounting holes throughwhich pivot locking pins 39 or bolts are to be inserted. Control bar 40mounts to each arm weldment 30 through attachment to both the left drivebracket 48 and right driven bracket 49 by use of same pivot locking pins39, which allow each end of the control bar 40 the freedom to pivotwithin each bracket 48 & 49 as the brackets rotate along with and aspart of each arm weldment 30. Brackets 48 and 49 each are affixed totheir corresponding pivot rods 31, as well as, to sleeve tubes 38. Theadditional use of sleeve tubes 38 is to add greater strength to thestructure as torsional forces upon components fixed to the pivot rod 31can be great due to the offset distance from pivot axis 22/24 bycantilevered weight of the containers especially when full with storageitems. The larger diameter of sleeve tube 38 provides further weldattachment area for those components that also are affixed to rod 31,thus reducing the chance that the bracket could break free of itsweldment which would result in the right driven arm weldment 30 beingable to rotate free of any control by the drive and locking means ofdrive transmission system 50.

The pushing and pulling action resulting from the union between the leftand right arm weldments 30 through their connection by the control bar40 creates substantial stress upon the frame uprights 16 and 18, whichis why these two frame elements may be securely fixed to, or welded toand made a permanent rigid part of the frame 20. An alternativerotational drive system which also causes the arm supports 32 to rotatein simultaneous fashion to lift and lower the position of theirsupported container(s) 70, will be described later (FIG. 4), whereby thepulling and pushing forces acting between the left and right componentsis substantially reduced. It should be noted that simultaneous movementmay or may not be the preferred movement pattern for alternative designswithin the present invention created to position container(s) about thecargo area of the truck while maintaining the storage containers orunit(s) in a generally upright position or orientation in which itemscontained in the storage unit may be accessed in the normal mannerintended (e.g., via side-facing access openings in the containers). Itwill be appreciated that, by maintaining the containers in a generallyupright orientation at all times, the organization of the contents canbe better maintained and there is less chance of spillage.

The present invention 10 controls the movement of the left and rightstorage containers 70 as the containers are supported directly abovetheir corresponding container supports 34 which in turn are affixed inperpendicular relation to their arm supports 32 and further theirposition is in line with and parallel to the horizontal axis runningbetween forward pivots 22 and rear pivots 24. This arrangement ensuresthat the container supports 34 along with supported containers 70maintain parallel position to the rotation axis during all moments oftravel.

It is most desirable that the containers 70 maintain their uprightposition during all moments of travel, so as not to disturb containercontents beyond the outside normal jostling action of the vehicle duringnormal and anticipated driving. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 & 2,the upright stance of the containers 70 in the device 10 is maintainedthrough the use of a four bar parallelogram linkage system, where thefour pivot points and linkage arrangement works as follows:

The first pivot location is defined by and corresponds to the axisbetween the forward pivot 22 and the rearward pivot 24. The opposite endor second pivot of this first linkage bar 32, is the center axis withincore of the support tube 34. A distance, for example 15½ inches isdefined between the two parallel running axes defined just above. Thesecond control bar linkage 80, is offset to and corresponds to the“first linkage” having opposite pivot points spaced at a distance, forexample, 15½ inches. The offset parallel distance between the twolinkages is substantial enough to provide a greater level of stabilityagainst container tilt. For example: If the alignment of the pivots ofthe first bar lined up on the same vertical plane, near to, or tilted onan inward angle within the frame space 20, as the second bar, then asthe first and second linkage bars 30 & 80 making up the “four bar”linkage system, overlap, as the container rises near to the highestelevation; stability would greatly decrease, whereby the container couldeasily tilt in either direction. The present invention 10 eliminatesthat possibility by configuring the location of the second upper linkagebar 80 a few inches up, as well as, a few inches outward toward the bedside rail, to accommodate the preferred maximum rotational travel of thecontainer to about 30 degrees beyond vertical, the location most easilyaccessible for handling container contents at street standing position,or to provide the maximum free cargo bed volume for hauling or storingcargo. The second linkage of the four bar parallelogram linkage systemis linkage bar 80 positioned parallel to the first “bar” and offsetabove and outward from “first bar” where the first pivot end location isupon frame stud 29 and a second opposite end of linkage bar 80 ispivotally attached through the rear mounting plate 83 and then into thecontainer rear side wall at a distance, for example, corresponding to a15½ inch distance, at pivot 37.

The four bar container stabilizing system mounts to the containersthrough the use of a forward box mounting plate 82 and an opposing rearmounting plate 83. These two plates, as shown, bolt to the container ateach end of that same container such that a lower pivot stud 37 affixedto the lower end of each plate 82 & 83, engages with the container hingeinsert 35, located and firmly pressed into each end of the support tube34, whereby the center hole of the insert 35 provide pivotal bearinghousing for engagement with the pivot stud 37 of each correspondingmounting plate 82 and 83. The preferred arrangement aligns the containerto sit upon the round container support tube 34 which further providesadditional support to the bottom structure of the containers, so as toreduce the necessity for potentially weighty structural container bottomside material. Pivot studs 37 define axes of rotation about which thestorage containers 70 may pivot while being moved by arms 32, the axesbeing horizontal and longitudinally oriented in the embodiment shown ifFIGS. 1-3.

Driving the system into operation on the device 10 is a motor 60 boltedto the frame 20 and wired to the truck battery (or a dedicated battery)and having a control switch located at the rear end of the truck bed,where the operator has clear view of the device's operation and anypotential obstructions. Other ways the motor can be controlled mayinclude: remote control, switch activation from within the vehicle whichmay rely on sensors, limit switches, or other means to ensure safe useof this device. One such sensor may sense a disturbance throughcontinuous computer analysis of load and gravity as load rotates aboutaxis 22/24. If the sensor detects an unexpected disturbance due tointerference with an object or glitch in the system, the sensor maycause the system to reverse direction or shut down.

An example of a motor 60 that can be used in this instant invention(e.g., shown as FIG. 3) is a 12 volt (truck battery powered) 1.1horsepower winch motor having a planetary gear system rated to pull 3000pounds, modified and fitted with a small drive sprocket 52, by removingthe manufacturer's winch cable and cable spool and replacing that spoolwith a modified shaft to mate with the planetary gear system of thewinch and to which the drive sprocket 52 is permanently affixed torotate as the motor operates.

The drive or transmission system 50 works as follows as the motor 60 isset in motion: First drive sprocket 52 by way of first drive chain 53causes driven larger sprocket 54 to move at a slower greater torquegeared down rate which in turn must cause rotation of second small drivesprocket 56, as sprocket 56 and 54 are welded together and rotate aboutsame pivot rod 66. Pivot rod 66 is firmly held in place and allowed torotate within bushing that are mounted within forward frame transmissionbar 67 and rear frame transmission bar 69, which are both welded to basebridge tube 12 such that the pivot axis center of pivot rod 66 runsparallel to pivot axis 22/24 and motor drive shaft. The rotation ofsecond small drive sprocket 56 drives large arm weldment sprocket 58 torotate by way of second heavier gage transmission chain 57. As large armweldment sprocket 58 is affixed to and part of arm weldment 30, itsrotation directly causes all shared components affixed to same left armweldment 30 to rotate. Therefore further, as the motor rotatescounterclockwise, the arm weldment 30 inturn rotates counterclockwise,thus lifting the containers 70. The right side container 70 is generallysimultaneously caused to lift, as best shown in FIG. 1-3, as control bar40 is placed in tension as drive bracket 48 rotates counterclockwise,thus pulling against driven bracket 49 and causing bracket 49 and restof right arm weldment 30 to rotate clockwise, thus lifting the rightcontainer 70.

To further aid in the lifting effort of the left and right containers 70is the added lifting force generated by a compression die spring 42,which generates its greatest force at nearly optimal time and ratethroughout the range of travel of the containers. Without any additionallifting support to the system, the greatest strain or stress on thetransmission system 50 and motor 60 would be when the containers 70 arenearest to their lowest or stowaway position. This is due to thegreatest influence of gravity being when the offset distance of thecontainers 70 and their relationship to their pivot axis 22/24 nears to90 degrees away from the vertical plane. Conversely, when the containers70 are lifted to their highest position where the pivot angle fromvertical plane is closest to zero degrees, where the alignment of thecontainer support axis 37 is directly above axis 22/24. At this point,there is theoretically no load stress caused to the transmission system50 and motor 60.

There are a variety of options available to counterbalance and create amore consistant load strain upon the transmission system 50 and motor 60throughout the range of travel of the combination arm weldments 30 andcontainers 70, which might include: compression and/or extensionsprings, gas springs, torsion springs, or the like. On this device 10,as mentioned above, a die spring 42 is installed over the control bar 40with locking means to limit movement upon the control bar 40, throughuse of lock collars 44 which clamp to control bar 40 and are positionedat a strategic location to maximize the counterbalance affect. At theopposite right end of the die spring 42 is a stop sleeve 46 which maytravel free upon drive bar 40, as pressure may be exerted by the pushingaction of die spring 42. Preventing the stop sleeve 46 from slipping toa position further to the right and away from the die spring'sinfluence, can be found, a pair of frame stop bars 26, which are weldedto frame bridge tube 12, which allows the drive bar 42 to freely passback and forth within and between the frame stop bars 26, yet thespacing of the two stop bars 26 is narrow enough to prevent the stopsleeve 46 from passing to the right. The length of the die spring islong enough to allow a compression length long enough to accommodate thegenerally horizontal displacement distance created by the arc movementof driven bracket 49 which is push driven by the control bar 42 when inlifting mode. Device 10's arm weldments 30 rotate a total of about 130degrees each from the fully lowered position to the furthestraised/widened position, whereby the linear generally horizontaldisplacement of the drive and driven brackets 48 &49 is about 7 incheson this device 10. These dimensions may vary slightly as the devicemight be custom adjusted to ideal performance for use in a particulartrucks having their own particular bed rail width and height dimensions.

It should be appreciated that device 10 could have one or a fewadjustable components to allow maximum performance to the user orowner's preferred truck having its own unique set of dimensions. Such anadjustment may involve adjustability to the overall width of the device10 where the bridge tube frame member 12 may have an adjustablecoupling. The lift arms 32 may also provide a length adjustment allowingthe distance between the pivot rod 32 and the box support 34 can becustomized to best suit the specific truck in which the device isinstalled. Another adjustment may include shims to change the distancebetween the bottom of the device 10 and the truck bed floor.

Further explanation as to how, in this device 10, the die spring 42provides upward lift to counterbalance and even-out the torsional loadabout axis 22/24 as the load of the boxes, arm weldment (and thepotential added load of an optional attached tonneau cover 190, as shownin FIG. 4) apply during the travel range. The die spring 42 is adjustedthrough the positioning and locking of the lock collars 44, such thatwhen the containers 70 are lifted to their highest position the diespring is relieved or non compressed having no displacement. As theboxes 70 lower, however, the control bar 42 travels to the right, thestop sleeve 46 becomes jammed against the frame stop bars 26 andtherefore the die spring 42 begins to compress and its pressureincreases as the containers 70 continue to lower, whereby the die spring42's pressure is greatest when the containers 70 are at bottom. Itshould be appreciated that the counterbalancing force selected for othersuch devices of this present invention may be chosen to be great enoughto over compensate most, all, or beyond the load created by thecontainers 70, for safety reasons and/or to allow a smaller power and/ortransmission source or to allow easier manual manipulation by theoperator.

It should be appreciated that the linkage system and transmission usedon this device 10 was developed as a more reasonable cost effectivemeans to construct the prototype that further tested the concept.

Another embodiment 110, shown in FIG. 4, shows a variation of device 10having an alternative drive system that eliminates the need for use ofchain and sprockets, and further, does not require a control bar 40.Device 110 of the current invention uses a left and right winch-likegear 158, mounted to and their corresponding axis rod 31, to be drivenby a left and right corresponding worm gear 153. The left and right handworm gears 153 are linked together to be rotated simultaneously by asingle drive shaft 140 upon which they are mounted and affixed at eachend of same drive shaft 140. It may be found desirable to incorporateinto this system use of various size change gears or other means tofurther create mechanical advantage so as to reduce the size of winchgears 158 and worms 153. One particular advantage of this concept ascompared to device 10, is that there is less stress on the frame andcertain other members as the control bar 40 no longer pushes and pullsto drive the right lift arm assembly 30 on the device 110. Various otherdrive systems to lift and lower the containers in a similar pattern orpath as this device, may include use of change gears, linear actuators,winches, or other geared systems that may generate large pulling orlifting forces.

Device 110 & 110 b according to the present invention, shown in FIGS. 4& 5, are also designed to drop-in to the bed of a pickup truck and besecured in similar fashion as device 10, 310, and 410. Both device 10and 110 lift and lower the containers 70 and 170 to and from a stowedposition near to or upon the bed surface 68, as well as, to an extendedposition more easily accessible atop the bed side rail 61. This device110 & 110 b uses an alternative stabilizing means to ensure thecontainers 70 maintain an upright position throughout their rotationabout axis 22/24, by incorporation of horizontal track bar 180 and guiderollers 182, which allows elimination of bar 80 of the four bar linkagesystem used in device 10. The horizontal track bar 180 also provides aplatform from which an optional tonneau cover 190 may mount. The tonneaucover 190 may mount to the horizontal track bar 180 using hinges thatallow the cover 190 to pivot up, as shown in FIG. 4. Gas shock or othermeans may be incorporated into the tonneau cover system to aid in thelifting and/or holding the cover 190 in a stationary position. Asecondary track guide system may allow the gas lifting springs to mountto the cover 190 yet, provide a means to which the containers 170 mayfreely move inward and outward relative to the cover 190, or the gaslift assist cylinders could be mounted to one or both containers at thecylinders' lower ends, then engage a track system mounted on theunderside of the tonneau cover 190 to accommodate the inward and outwardmovement of the containers 170. Track bar 180 may also support or becomepart of a ladder rack system.

Device 110 b shown in FIG. 5 shows the containers 170 in their extendedaccess position and the same containers 170 conducted to move insimultaneous opposite fashion, by use of a pulley or sprocket 154affixed to and apart of each left and right lift arm assemblies 130 andcoupled to one another by a “x” cross pattern configured cable, chain,and/or belt 157. Additional drive means may directly drive one drivepulley or sprocket 154 or may be configured into and in between eachleft and right driven member 154 to simultaneously drive both left andright member 154.

Another embodiment of the current invention labeled 210, shown in FIGS.6 & 7, also provide lift means for positioning containers 270 to andfrom a stowed position near to or upon the truck bed surface 68 and byway of rotational means cause the same containers 270 to travel to andfrom an extended position over top or beyond the truck bed rails 61,while maintaining the containers 270 in a generally constant uprightorientation or tilt.

This device 210 relies on a gravity system to maintain the uprightorientation or tilt of the containers 270, by having the containers 270mounted to arm support bracket weldments 234 such that the pivotalengagement attachment location is located at corresponding front andrear ends of each container 270 at a center position on the horizontalplane raised substantially above vertical center, to allow gravity togenerally keep containers 270 upright. The higher up the correspondingpivots 234 are upon the containers 270 (up to and including a pivot axislocated above the containers), the greater the efficiency gravity willovercome any imbalance of weight within the containers 270 by thecontents stored inside, as well as, the influence of any forcesgenerated during the time the vehicle is in motion. A secondary lockingmechanism may be added to the system to ensure the boxes remain held inan upright orientation or the addition of a horizontal guide bar similarto 180 seen in FIGS. 4 & 5. It should be appreciated that the tonneaucover system may be incorporated into any embodiment of this presentinvention.

The device 210 uses an alternative frame configuration including supportmeans 220, to further allow the cargo space of the truck to be moreopen, and more closely conform to the inner periphery of thecargo/storage bed during such times the cargo space may be used to haulmaterials such as dirt and gravel, where having frame components of thedevice of this current invention, sitting within the bed space,especially upon the bed surface, may hinder removal and cleanup of thistype or similar kind of lose cargo.

A further advantage of this design, ensures that the containers 270,move about the bed rail 61, in nearly identical fashion, regardless ofwhat truck manufacturer brand the device 210 is installed. To this end,the device 210 includes frame members 214 in the form of L-shapedbrackets as shown, U-shaped brackets, or the like, to engage upper edgesof the bed rails 61. Adjustable means incorporated into the frame bridgemember 212, to shorten or lengthen this member, may allow the side framemembers 214 to sit upon each bed rail 61 in similar fashion from onetruck brand to another. It should be appreciated that a similaralternative frame design may be created, whereby the side frame members214 may be located in a drop-off position (e.g., an interior ledge) tonot sit upon the bed rail 61, but rather near to, as it may be preferredthat the manufacturer's bed rail 61 remain undisturbed. Somemanufactures provide anchorage means, such as threaded wall anchorswithin the side bed walls 63 and cab bed wall 64, for the purpose ofsecurely attaching after-market products designed to further enhance theuse of the cargo area of the truck, for which this device could bedesigned to take advantage of for mounting and positioning this device210 or similar variation.

As mentioned previously, a variety of power sources or drive systemscould be used to operate or generate power to drive and cause thecontainers to travel. In this device 210 an extension member or driveshaft 260 may be manually rotated with a hand crank lever or driven by aportable drill to raise and lower the containers 270 about their axes ofrotation. A variety of means (transmission and/or counterbalancingspring or spring-like means) may be coupled to this extension member 260to create a reasonable mechanical advantage making manual or drilldriven operation possible.

Another embodiment of the current invention, is shown in FIGS. 8 & 9. Inthese embodiments, the device 310 & 410 moves the containers 370 aboutusing a alternative means and travel path of movement of the containers370. As device 10, 110, 110 b, and 210's movement of the containers 70 &170 could generally be described as a rotational lifting and loweringpositioning travel path, while device 310 could generally be describedas an up and downward vertical lift and lowering movement coupled to aseparate inward and outward swinging of the containers 370 on ahorizontal plane.

Each left and right container 370 is pivotally mounted to sit atop theircorresponding left and right lift arms 332 after each container 370mates with the round vertical pivot rod mount 234. The mating of thecontainer 370 is made possible as each container 370 has a mountinghole, with our without a sleeve insert securely positioned within eachbox 270 at a location in general center of container base location. Themounting method used should allow each container the ability to rotateabout their pivot rod 334 with close enough tolerance whereby eachcontainer always remains upright, throughout its rotation along thehorizontal plane. A variety of options are available within the lockablecontainer for securing each container 370 to their pivot rod mount 234,to disallow the ability to lift off the containers unless locking meanswere to be removed.

Device 310 is shown in FIG. 8 having containers 370 in the fully loweredor stowed position as well as rotated along the horizontal plane to buttclose to one another.

Device 310 may also drop in and easily be installed into any size pickuptruck, and may be secured and held into position using the variety ofmethods described earlier to secure the earlier described devices. Adifference between this device 310 and earlier devices described, is theuse of frame tracks 316 which guide the lifting and lowering of thecarriage system 330, and which has a stature whereby the upper portionof the frame tracks 316 stands above the top of the bed rails 61. Somecustomers may find the frame tracks 316 useful, as the frame tracksprovide a convenient mounting platform for the addition of ladder rackcross bar 318. It should be appreciated that it is possible and may bedesirable for the frame tracks 216 to fold down when the containers 370are in stowaway so as to reduce the visibility of the apparatus andcould provide further security and may even be a further method uponwhich a tonneau cover system could mount and function.

Alternative device 410 shown in FIG. 9, is similar to this device 310 inthat the containers 370 are positionable by using both a vertical liftand lowering system, coupled to a horizontal swinging inward and outwardsystem. Device 410, however, eliminates the need or use of frame guidetracks 316, by using a left and right four bar parallelogram linkagesystem 430 to move the containers 370 along the vertical plane. Theadvantage of this device 410 over device 310, is that all componentswhen in stowaway mode, are hidden below the top of the truck bed rails61.

Also shown in this FIG. 9 of device 410, is a container 370 illustratinga split access door design, such that the lower door 372 hinged to thelower portion of the container 370 is linked to the upper door 374through linkage means 375, such that the weight of the lower door 372 isused to counterbalance or offset the weight of the upper door 374 hingedto the upper portion of same container, resulting in a system requiringno additional means, such as gas springs typically used to lift andmaintain the access door in an open position. This design furtherprovides protection to the outside truck body in case a storage objectfalls or is dropped when inserting or removing from the container 370.It will be appreciated that the split access door design can be used inany embodiment of the present invention.

Another adaptation to the containers, may include means to allow easyremoval of the same containers from any embodiment of the presentinvention such that the containers may be removed and/or reinstalled.This act may be desirable to further open up the cargo space, provideeasier access to the device or truck for maintenance or cleaning, orperhaps to accommodate the use of containers that may be made mobile forsuch use closer to job or recreational site. Modification to thedevice's container support structure at or near the attachment point tothe container(s) may provide an easy method to accomplish this feature.A device of this current invention may be modified to allow thecontainers to attach and detach from within the cargo space and/or fromthe access position or position beyond and nearer to the ground.

As the above mentioned and described devices can be installed into avariety of trucks as after-market products, it should be understood thatit may be desirable to have a version of this current invention as to bemanufactured into a vehicle by the manufacturer of that vehicle, wherebycertain components of the device may be made less visible or made apartand share the surrounding structure. For example, the frame of thedevice can be incorporated into the cab-side wall of the bed and/or therails so that the arm assembly and containers are the primary exposedcomponents.

Device 510, shown in FIGS. 10-14, illustrates an example of a moredetailed drive system 550 of nearly otherwise identical device 210,shown in FIGS. 6 & 7. This device 510 may be driven into operation,manually, by portable motor device, permanent mounted motor, or motordriven with the ability to also manually operate; useful as a backup ifthe motor fails to operate, or if quiet operation of the system ispreferred.

Operation of the device 510 begins with the rotation of first drive rod560, best shown in semi cut-away close-up view in FIG. 12. The drive rodis housed and held in a center axis alignment within container supportbracket bridge tube 538, and more specifically held into that centeraxis position and free to rotate, within frame pivot extension 522 andrail mount support bracket 521 which both have a through hole onlyslightly larger than first drive 560. Affixed to the opposite end offirst drive rod 560 is gear 546, whereby the rotation of rod 560 andgear 546 transmit rotation to perpendicular mounted mating gear 547affixed to near end of perpendicular aligned driven rod 561. The matinggears 546 and 547 are shown as bevel gears having the same number ofteeth, therefore equal torque is transmitted in 90 degree fashion to rod561 from source, first drive rod 560. It should be appreciated that agreater or lesser torque could easily, if desired, be generated at thisgear juncture, with the substitution of gears having different number ofteeth, therefore creating a geared ration greater or less than the 1:1shown here.

Continuing in the description of this device 510 transmission system550, as rod 561 rotates, so does affixed to rod, worm 558, which in turndrives mating worm gear 552, generating a boost in torque to the system550 which helps control movement of each weighty storage container 570.The use of worm gears, besides their ability to generate a largemechanical advantage in a small space, the gears will also benefit thesystem by offering a means of holding the system in a fixed or lockedposition when rotation of the drive system 550 is asked to stop, by theoperator ceasing to operate the motor or manual source or if there is amechanical breakdown of any component of the drive system before theworm gear. This feature can be useful when using the storage containersas clamping members to secure items in the cargo bed.

The worm gear 552 is held in its mating position with worm 558 it ismounted to and free to rotate about pivot rod 566 most visible in FIG.13. Pivot rod 566 is held into position within frame bracket 567 whichsame bracket is shown welded to frame bridge component 512. Rotation ofthe drive system 550 continues, and further transmitted to lift drivespool 554 and lowering drive spool 556, which are both affixed to androtate at the same rate with worm gear 552.

The lifting of the storage containers 570 is best shown in FIGS. 10 &12. As the worm gear 552 is caused to rotate, so must lift drive spool554, which has leaf chain segment 553 attached to same spool at chain'sfirst end, therefore causing chain 556 to rotate or spool around liftdrive spool, placing tension on the chain, which at its second end isattached to lift cam 558, therefore pulling lift cam toward the drivespool. As the lift cam 558 is affixed to bridge bracket tube 538, bestshown in FIG. 13, which in turn is rotationally mounted, as the cam ischain driven, the container bracket weldment 530, is forced into arotational lifting action, therefore raising the storage containers 570.

The use of lift cams 558, are preferred over the use of a round or arcshaped driven spool or sprocket, as a means of counterbalancing the loadof the storage units and container arm bracket members 534, whichtransmit a greater torque on the drive system 550 when lifting orholding in or near the stowaway position. Conversely, when the systemreaches the highest lift position, or when arm bracket members runvertical, the least or near zero torque is generated against the drivesystem. Without the use of spring-like counterbalancing or with theiruse, the cam having a shape design to offer a greater to lessermechanical advantage, provides a more consist torque or load against thedrive system 550 components before reaching the same cam 558.Consistency of load causes less stress on the motor or manual operator,as well as, may better allow use of a possible safety shut-off controlwhich may be used to protect against a sudden change in the system as aresult of something breaking in the system or if an object interferes orover stresses the lifting or lowering operation of the containers.

As lift cam 558 is caused to rotate, tension is fairly consistentlymaintained, keeping lift chain 553 taut and tightly wrapped around liftdrive spool 554, as desired; however, when the system reaches the nearhighest lift position and beyond, gravity, or momentum could cause thestorage containers and support system to fall until the arm bracketsupports hit and would be caught by interference with the bed rail angleframe 514. To prevent this undesirable event, a counter system is builtinto the system, as follows, and best illustrated in FIGS. 11 & 13.Further affixed to worm gear 552 and lift drive spool 554, is loweringdrive spool 556. The diameter of this spool 556 has been reduced toallow the use of a near mirror image to the lift cam 558, lowering cam559, best seen in FIG. 12. In this device 510, it is necessary that thelowering cam 559 be smaller than the lifting cam 558, in order to avoidinterference between parts and the truck side rail. The smaller cam sizeis acceptable, as the lowering chain 555 does not experience large loadgenerated forces due to the minimum angle past vertical the system canonly travel. If however, an additional load is placed upon the systemdue to a possible ladder rack coupled to system or material loaded uponthe storage containers, the system may be locked, or placed in verticalor fully accessible position relying on bed rail frame to help supportthe system. Additional means, not shown, such as counterbalance springor shock absorbing means may be added.

As the description of this device 510 has focused on one hemisphere ofthis dual storage container system, it should be appreciated that thedevice may operate where both hemispheres move their storage units 570in simultaneous mirror-like fashion caused by the rotation of a singlefirst drive rod 560, shown on the left hemisphere in FIG. 12. Thesimultaneous operation will be described in the next paragraph. Itshould also be understood that each hemisphere may be separate andoperational each by their own first drive rod or independent means. Itmay as well be appreciated, that a coupling between each hemisphere maybe engaged or disengaged to allow independent movement, simultaneousmirror like movement, or interrupted simultaneous movement.

The simultaneous operation of both hemispheres of this device, simplyoccurs though the use and extension of driven rod 561, shown in FIG. 12,extending just beyond right hand frame bracket 567, shown in FIG. 10, todrive the identical mirror image lift and lowering components on sameright side, as a second opposite hand worm is affixed to same drivenshaft 561. A coupling 563, shown in FIGS. 12 &13, is used in thisdevice, to allow coupling and separation of the left and righthemispheres to allow more compact packaging, and to allow the separationdistance between the left and right sides to be adjustable to allow thedevice 510 to be mounted on a variety of truck brands that may havedifferent bed rail dimensional separation. Coupling 563, may be adesigned and formed in a variety of effective ways to join the left andright driven rods 561 to cause both to rotate simultaneously. Oneexample, might provide that the coupling is welded to one driven rodwhile able to slip over and clamp tightly grabbing the other driven rod.A keyway and key may be provided to further ensure positive rotationaljoining of both driven rods 561.

It should be understood that this device 510 is shown as a mount to andsits upon the side bed rails of the truck, but may be modified to sitwithin the bed of the truck by mounting to factory supplied side and orback bed wall anchors, or this device may sit upon the bed surface,similar to device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3.

Device 610, shown in FIGS. 14 & 15 without storage containers forclarity, uses a screw drive system 650, counterbalance compressionspring 642, and a type of safety mechanical system 680, where thestorage container system 630, disengages from the drive system 650 uponthe interference of an item that may sit in the path of the one or bothcontainers as they near the truck bed surface.

While the invention has been particularly taught and described withreference to certain preferred embodiments, those versed in the art willappreciate that modifications in form and detail may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, avariety of different materials may be used in the construction of thisdevice and its components, including metals such as steel and aluminum,plastics, and combinations of materials.

It will further be appreciated that a ladder rack or tonneau coversystem may be incorporated into this device, and a four bar linkage orother means to ensure boxes remain upright. This device may be used notonly to vary the position of stored items, or as a ladder rack ormaneuvering tonneau cover system, the system may be used to aid in thepositioning and transporting of item, by sandwiching items in betweenthe storage containers, or between the storage containers and the bottomof the bed.

Further, a single or dual torque multiplier mechanism(s) may beincorporated into the device as a means of generating large torque todrive or cause the both storage container brackets to rotate/positionthe storage containers. I came to discover that there are a variety of“torque multipliers” on the market, some for example, specificallydesigned to aid truck drivers in trying to remove stubborn wheel nuts.These torque multipliers are compact units about the size of a drillwithout the handle, sometimes made using planetary gears, able togenerate 2000 ft pounds of torque with someone manually turning a fairlyshort crank arm. For my invention, these units could be located withineach axis or storage bracket bridge tube, or a single torque unitlocated just after the manual or motor drive mechanism. Use of such adevice(s), would make my invention more compact, no gears or chainexposed to the elements and potential damage by items hauled around.

In addition, it will be appreciated that the device can be configured tobe operated locally from within the bed, alongside the bed on thestreet, or from the cab.

It will also be appreciated that the storage containers may haveside-facing access openings and/or top-facing access openings, with orwithout doors. Additionally, the side-facing openings may face inwardlytowards the interior of the storage bed or outwardly towards the street.Bottom and/or sides of the containers may be configured to act asclamping surfaces to secure items in the bed, e.g., by adding frictiontape, rubber or foam pads, or grooves along the surfaces to help preventthe items from moving in relation to the containers.

It will further be appreciated that the storage device may be operatedby an onboard power source such as a motor or hydraulic system or via adrive member that can be driven by an off-board power source or driver,such as a powered screw/socket driver or drill. When an onboard powersource is used, it can be powered by the truck battery or by a dedicatedbattery for the device. If an offboard power source is used, a driveshaft can extend longitudinally along or in a bed rail, laterally inwardtowards the bed, or laterally outward through a bed rail, to couple withthe power source. Alternatively, the drive shaft can extend through thecab wall.

These and other modifications of the present invention are intended tobe within the scope of the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A storage device for a pickup truck havinga storage bed with laterally opposed side rails, said device comprising:a storage container with an upright orientation; a frame with a mountingmember configured to be fixedly secured in relation to the pickupstorage bed; a lift arm having first and second ends, the first end ofthe lift arm being coupled to the frame for pivotal movement about afirst pivot axis and the second end of the lift arm being coupled to thestorage container for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis, thesecond end of the lift arm being movable along an arcuate path about thefirst pivot axis between a stowed position in which the storagecontainer is disposed between the side rails and an extended position inwhich the storage container is disposed above the side rail, and thestorage container being pivotable about the second pivot axis so as tobe maintained in the upright orientation in the stowed and extendedpositions; and a drive mechanism including a drive member coupled to thelift arm and configured to provide a mechanical advantage for moving thestorage container between the stowed and extended positions, wherein thedrive member is configured to provide a mechanical advantage in thestowed position that is different than a mechanical advantage providedby the drive member in the extended position.
 2. The storage device ofclaim 1, wherein the drive member includes a cam.
 3. The storage deviceof claim 1, wherein the drive member is a first drive member, andwherein the drive mechanism further includes a second drive membercoupled to the first drive member and including a terminal end adaptedto be driven by a portable driver.
 4. A storage device for a pickuptruck having a storage bed with laterally opposed side rails, saiddevice comprising: a first storage container with an uprightorientation; a second storage container with an upright orientation; aframe configured to be fixedly secured in relation to the pickup storagebed; a first lift arm having first and second ends, the first end of thefirst lift arm being coupled to the frame for pivotal movement about afirst pivot axis and the second end of the first lift arm being coupledto the first storage container for pivotal movement about a second pivotaxis; a second lift arm having first and second ends, the first end ofthe second lift arm being coupled to the frame for pivotal movementabout a third pivot axis and the second end of the second lift arm beingcoupled to the second storage container for pivotal movement about afourth pivot axis; wherein respective second ends of the first andsecond lift arms are movable along first and second arcuate paths aboutthe first and third pivot axes between stowed positions in which thefirst and second storage containers are disposed between the side railsand extended positions in which the first and second storage containersare disposed above the side rails; and wherein the first and secondstorage containers are pivotable about the second and fourth pivot axes,respectively, to maintain the upright orientation of the storagecontainers in the stowed and extended positions; and a drive mechanismincluding a first drive member coupled to the first lift arm, and asecond drive member coupled to the second lift arm, wherein each of thefirst and second drive members is configured to provide a mechanicaladvantage in the stowed position that is different than a mechanicaladvantage provided by the drive members in the extended position.
 5. Thestorage device of claim 4, further comprising a third drive membercoupled with the first drive member, a fourth drive member coupled withthe second drive member, and a coupling configured to couple the thirdand fourth drive members, wherein the coupling is configured to allow alateral spacing between the third and fourth drive members to beadjusted.
 6. The storage device of claim 4, wherein the coupling isconfigured to be selectively engageable to cause the drive members tomove in unison or disengageable to allow the drive members to moveindependently of one another.
 7. The storage device of claim 4, whereinthe third and fourth drive members are configured to rotate about anaxis perpendicular to the rails of the pickup truck when the frame ismounted in the storage bed.
 8. The storage device of claim 4, whereinthe frame is configured to be mounted on the rails of the pickup truck.9. The storage device of claim 4, wherein the first and second drivemembers are each configured to provide a greater mechanical advantage inthe stowed position than in the extended position.
 10. The storagedevice of claim 4, wherein the first and second drive members areconfigured to rotate about first and second axes, respectively, andfurther comprising a third drive member configured to couple with thefirst and second drive members and configured to rotate about a thirdaxis perpendicular to the first and second axes.
 11. The storage deviceof claim 10, wherein the first and second axes are parallel to the railsand wherein the third axis is perpendicular to the rails.
 12. Thestorage device of claim 10, further comprising a gear mounted on thesecond drive member and configured to couple with at least one of thefirst or second drive members.
 13. The storage device of claim 1,wherein the drive member is configured to provide a greater mechanicaladvantage in the stowed position than in the extended position.
 14. Thestorage device of claim 1, wherein the drive member is a first drivemember configured to rotate about a first axis, and further comprising asecond drive member configured to couple with the first drive member androtate about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.
 15. Thestorage device of claim 14, wherein the first axis is parallel to therails and the second axis is perpendicular to the rails.
 16. The storagedevice of claim 15, further comprising a gear mounted on the seconddrive member and configured to couple with the first drive member.